Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a basic life-saving technique used on a person whose heart and or breathing has stopped.

The technique, sometimes referred to as 'the kiss of life', involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth respiration and manual chest compressions.

This sustains the flow of oxygenated blood to the victim's brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.

About 30,000 people here - mainly health-care professionals and emergency workers - receive CPR training every year.

However, this number includes repeat attendees, because health professionals need to renew their training every two years.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force provides free theory and practical training in CPR as part of its Community Emergency programme.

Other life-saving skills taught in this programme include first aid, fire safety, casualty evacuation, emergency procedures and unconventional threats.

Since its launch in September 2003, more than 274,134 people have signed up.

Of this, more than 28per cent, or 79,069 people, attended the first aid and CPR classes.

Several other accredited centres provide CPR training.

A list of these centres can be found on the National Heart Centre's website at www.nhc.com.sg